5 Things Every Ohio Homeowner Needs To Do To Prep For Storm Season

Jan 30, 2018 Columbus Roofing, Roofing

In Ohio, residents often face hailstorms during the summer, particularly amidst severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. These storms, notorious for their sudden onset and brief duration, typically last about six minutes and seldom exceed 15 minutes. To safeguard your family, pets, plants, and property, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and informed. Hailstorms can strike with little to no warning, and their impact, though fleeting, can be significant. The size of hailstones usually ranges from one to one and a half inches in diameter, but this can vary. Even smaller hailstones can cause considerable damage to roofs, windows, and sidings. By following these five proactive steps, you can effectively prepare for and respond to hailstorms, ensuring the safety and protection of your home and loved ones.

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  • Invest in Reliable Homeowners & Hail Damage Insurance – Often, standard homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover the destruction caused by hail. It’s important to thoroughly review your insurance documents to understand the coverage limits and exclusions. If your current policy doesn’t include hail damage, consider obtaining additional coverage specifically for it. Keep in mind that damage resulting from negligence might not be covered, even under a hail-specific policy. Therefore, proactive measures to prevent damage are crucial. In the event of a hailstorm, promptly document any potential damage with photos and videos, and initiate the insurance claims process without delay.

  • Regularly Inspect & Maintain Your Roof – Take note of your roof’s condition throughout the year, particularly around April, before the typical start of hailstorm season. Maintain your gutters and drainpipes by clearing them of leaves and debris. Clean gutters will allow water to drain quickly and avoid water damage to your home’s exterior and foundation. Ensure that your chimney is in satisfactory condition and can be securely closed when needed. Seemingly trivial flaws in your roof can be detrimental to your entire roofing system, so replace broken or damaged shingles right away. Class 3 or 4 shingles are recommended for use in Ohio, as they have been proven to withstand the impact of harsh hail. In the event you are replacing your roof, consider choosing impact-resistant roofing
  • Trim Trees & Shrubbery – Weak, dry, or dead branches are at the greatest risk of being broken by strong wind or hail, but very high winds can break even healthy branches. Protect your roof, windows, and siding from destructive branches and trees by keeping your trees and shrubbery trimmed, especially those that hang over your roof or are near windows.
  • Keep Your Outdoor Area Clean – Avoid the experience of watching your decorative materials, patio furniture, and other outdoor items transformed into airborne projectiles! Secure your patio furniture, store piles of wood under a shed and away from your house, and keep your outdoor area clean during hailstorm season. Additionally, consider replacing rock or gravel landscaping material with shredded bark or another soft material.

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  • Develop a Disaster Preparedness Strategy & Emergency Kit – A crucial yet frequently neglected step is to formulate and familiarize yourself with a tailored action plan for natural disasters. Engage with your family to outline your preparation and response strategies for hailstorms, assigning specific roles to each member. Ensure you have an emergency kit ready, stocked with essentials like drinking water, first aid supplies, emergency lights, extra batteries, plastic sheeting, tarps, and blankets. Regularly practicing and reviewing your plan throughout the year is also advisable to ensure everyone is prepared.

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While we can’t control the weather, being prepared can significantly mitigate the impact of hailstorms. By implementing these five steps, you can enhance your home’s resilience against hailstorms. For further assistance or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Stay prepared and confident in your home’s ability to withstand hailstorms. If you still have questions about your home, feel free to contact us!